The past week has been unprecedented, as resources have been mobilised to tackle the global corona virus crisis. 

This week saw Chancellor Rishi Sunak deliver his first Budget, delayed from November due to the election. However, for pub regulars like me it was worth the wait. Duties on beer, wine, cider and spirits were all frozen – the first time all have been frozen together for 20 years.

Sadly, it seems the UK continues to be affected by coronavirus, as the number of confirmed cases grows and other countries across the world deal with outbreaks.

Sadly, the horrible, wet weather affecting many parts of the UK continues. Some of the images of flooding along major rivers such as the Severn have been appalling. It’s terrible to think of the impact on the lives of those affected, in some case having to abandon their homes.

Last week’s reshuffle saw me move on from my role in the Foreign Office, as the Prime Minister asked me to take on a new brief in the Department for Transport.

For all too many Pendle residents, this week has been spent recovering from the flooding brought by Storm Ciara. Properties in Barrowford and Earby were affected, with several roads impassable, as we weathered the worst storm for many years.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Pendle Beer Festival last weekend at the Colne Muni. It was a great event and wonderful to see so many people there.

After years of argument today is the day – Brexit day – the historic moment the UK leaves the EU, as the government delivers on our promise to the British people and moves our country forward.

Just one month into the new Parliament and an important new law has been introduced, the NHS Funding Bill.

The past year has been another dramatic year in British politics, with a new Prime Minister and a General Election. Brexit continued to dominate, as it has done since 2016, but the clear General Election result hopefully means plainer sailing in 2020.